Meanwhile in Valencia... BMW Oracle's Extreme40 is back on the water

We are now well into the 3rd year where news, directly or indirectly, related to the America's Cup is either about lawyers and judges in New York or multihull yachts, either small or monster ones. Today's post is about a smaller one, 40 feet long to be precise.

BMW Oracle's Extreme 40 catamaran was put back on the water and it seems it won't be long before they sail off the Malvarosa beach. With the court decision expected any time now, the Americans must train as much as possible on multihulls. We don't know whether James Spithill is in town but since the test sessions in San Diego have come to an end and the 90-foot trimaran is being modified, it is highly likely. We'll keep an eye. In any case, Franck Cammas and his Groupama crew will also be coming to Valencia to train together with the Americans.

BMW Oracle's Extreme40 catamaran is back on the water after the winter break. Valencia, 24 March 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Meanwhile, Team Container's STP65 is getting ready in the Luna Rossa base for her second training session in Valencia. As for the Luna Rossa STP65 boat, she is still inside the shed on her cradle and we don't know whether a new mast will arrive in time for the Italians to be ready for their first 2009 regatta, next month in Palma.

Team Container's STP65 yacht is getting ready for her second training week. Valencia, 24 March 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Team Container's STP65 yacht is getting ready for her second training week while Luna Rossa's yacht is still inside the shed on her cradle. Valencia, 24 March 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Finally, it seems that some activity is taking place in the Desafío base. After many months being shat down, the boat shed sprang back to life. The door that used to hide ESP-88, and now the team's TP52 yacht, is open in view of the Spanish team's participation in the 2009 Audi Medcup. Desafío has scrapped its GP42 project and will now focus its non-America's Cup sailing on the TP52 bat that will once again be skippered by Paul Cayard.

Desafío won the GP42 circuit last year and its withdrawal, together with 3rd-placed Near Miss, brings the number of participating yachts down to a mere handful.

Some signs of life in the Desafío base after many months. Valencia, 24 March 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing